I would like to see the dramatic sawtooth mountain peaks the Dolomites are noted for. However, my time is limited. Can I see these mountains in the Cortina area, or will I have to drive in a different direction? I'm thinking of driving to Cortina from Venice and spending one night there. Thank you.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
Which peaks? Most dolomites' peaks have a sawtooth shape and those surrounding Cortina do too. But which peaks are you referring to? If you are referring to the 3 cime (summits) of Lavaredo, I don't think you'll be able to see them from Cortina proper. You probably need to drive to the Lake Misurina. At least that's what I did. It's just 20 min from Cortina. You can probably take a taxi or bus from Cortina just to take some pictures and get back to town.
From Cortina you'll be able to see the 5 Torri.
Posted by
NYC area
3018 posts
Hi Gail, My opinion, skip staying in Cortina and head a liitle further west (about an hour) into the Alta Badia. The drive between Cortina and Alta Badia is something else, scenery wise. Along this road you'll find the Lagazoui cable car right on the main road. It's a quick trip to the top, so even if you're pressed for time, it's easily done with fantastic views. We love the Ciasa Montanara in La Villa, Alta Badia.
www.montanara.it On your way back to Venice, maybe drive the Gardena Pass into the Sella Pass to Canazei and head to Venice or add the Pordoi Pass and then head back to Venice. During your short stay, at least try to drive the Gardena Pass (our favorite drive in the Dolomites) at the least to the "top", where the cafe/rest stop is. Another option in the area top include is the Giau Pass. The western approach (by Cortina) isn't all that really, but once at the top, it's all that and then some. www.altabadia.it www.worldisround.com/articles/355539/index.html www.worldisround.com/articles/324504/index.html www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html Paul
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
There are beautiful peaks surrounding Cortina but it is an extremely touristy $$$ area. Lots of Rome license plates and Japanese tourists dressed in lederhosen...it's a little silly in my opinion. Reminds me of Aspen or Telluride. We like the towns further to the west. I recommend seeing the Drei Zinnen (great trail around them that you can easily hike in a day), the Marmolata (most amazing gondola ride to the top I've ever taken), the Langkofel (super rugged very cool mountain hut you can stay in if you wish), and the Geisler Group. We have returned to the Dolomites again and again and never get tired of them. Brush up on your German/Italian as people here don't tend to speak much English. It's a rather isolated part of the Alps but wonderfully authentic!